Affiliations 

  • 1 Department of Orthopaedics, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
  • 2 Department of Orthopaedics, Kawashima Orthopedic Hospital, Oita, Japan
Malays Orthop J, 2017 Nov;11(3):47-49.
PMID: 29326767 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.1711.003

Abstract

Bipolar segmental clavicle fractures are simultaneous clavicle fractures of both proximal and distal ends. Few case reports describing these fractures have been published, and the management of these injuries have remained controversial. Non-operative treatment is likely to result in poor shoulder function due to the instability of the fracture in patients with high physical demands. In contrast, surgical treatment with fixation of both proximal and distal ends of the clavicle possibly may cause life-threatening complications. We present a 74-year old female farmer who had injured her left shoulder and was diagnosed with a bipolar segmental clavicle fracture. Taking the fracture mechanism into consideration, we surgically treated only the distal end of the clavicle fracture with a locking plate. The proximal end of the clavicle fracture was treated without surgical intervention. Both fracture sites achieved bony union after four months and she returned to her activities as a farmer. Quick DASH score was 5.0 with excellent results at three years after operation.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.